Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens at DVinfo.net

David Rice · November 19th, 2010, 08:16 PM

I used a Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens for the first time on my XH-A1. I'm impressed. The lens works great for birds or other subjects between 10-200 yards. However, I noticed some degradation at infinity. The other interesting problem is that the A1 with the 9000 EX is a real wind catcher. Even while using image stabilization, a sudden wind gust can shake things up. Over all, it looks like a great combination for me.

This video was shot exclusively with the XH-A1 and the Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens.

Dave Rice
Sitka, Alaska

Les Wilson · November 21st, 2010, 07:07 AM

Dave, Love the shot of the boat, use of slo-mo and the composition on the closing shot. What kind of sticks and head you using?

David Rice · November 21st, 2010, 07:42 AM

Manfrotto 128LP . The whole kit is at my maximum for moving around. It's a lot of weight for me. I just don't have the strength and endurance any more.

For the last two months I have been dealing with 20-40 knot winds and some camera bounce on every trip out. Many of our winter birds haven't showed up yet. We have more birds in Sitka in the winter than the summer.

The Raynox lens does work great for some things. Especially when your after a critter or bird.

I'm hoping for a wide angle adapter. I see where I would need such a lens while trying to shoot on or from a boat or other confined space.

Dave

Wacharapong Chiowanich · November 21st, 2010, 07:43 AM

..and what kind of support did you use for the lens? My guess is you probably had to have one as this adapter is long and heavy.

David Rice · November 21st, 2010, 08:16 AM

I haven't found the Raynox 9000EX 1.8 Lens to be that heavy. For my use, as long as I keep a eye on the 20-40 knot wind gusts, I see no need for additional supports for the lens.

Also, if you tip the A1 in a "lens up" vertical position, the 9000EX is very easy to add or remove.

Like I said, the A1 with the Raynox 9000EX is a excellent combination for birds and wildlife. It will also work for me when shooting fishing boats, surfers, or other subjects from a distance.

Dave

Allan Black · November 21st, 2010, 01:56 PM

Great stuff David I liked them all .. great place you live in. Have you been out with the A1 in winter? Any tips like how does the low temps affect it.

Cheers.

David Rice · November 21st, 2010, 02:45 PM

The scene with the volcano and waves was shot in 28 degree F with wind gusts to 50 mph. I'll let someone else figure out the wind chill. All I know, is that it was well below freezing and required cloves for my hands.

An individual from Canada was kind enough to send me a Kata Rain Cover. Used it three times. This is a much required item: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367589-REG/Kata_KT_VA_801_15_CRC_15_RC_15_Compact_Rain.html

Bo Sundvall · November 22nd, 2010, 03:21 AM

Hi

I've checked the video both on Vimeo and I've also downloaded it to be able to see it in better quality. I agree with you that the quality is impressive given it's an "add on" lens used. The XH-A1 camcorder suffers a bit from chromatic abberation (CA) and that can also be seen in high contrast scenes in the film. Without extensive test it's hard to tell if the Raynox lens just increases the CA on the A1 lens or if the lens itself adds more CA. As far as I can judge from the video it seems to be reasonably sharp all over the frame. Are all scenes filmed with the Raynox lens, including the wide shots? I really liked the end shot.

Regards,

/Bo

David Rice · November 22nd, 2010, 05:47 AM

Yes. However, wide shots are difficult to set up. Why bother? I am not impressed with extreme long distant infinity shots either. I think the sweet spot is for birds/animals between 10 and 200 yards.

Paul Mailath · November 25th, 2010, 06:19 AM

got mine for sale on ebay if anyone's interested

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/f-ebay/4...ts-extras.html

November 19th, 2010, 08:16 PM	#1
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens I used a Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens for the first time on my XH-A1. I'm impressed. The lens works great for birds or other subjects between 10-200 yards. However, I noticed some degradation at infinity. The other interesting problem is that the A1 with the 9000 EX is a real wind catcher. Even while using image stabilization, a sudden wind gust can shake things up. Over all, it looks like a great combination for me. This video was shot exclusively with the XH-A1 and the Raynox HDP 9000EX 1.8x tele lens. By the Sea on Vimeo Dave Rice Sitka, Alaska

November 21st, 2010, 01:56 PM	#6
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	Great stuff David I liked them all .. great place you live in. Have you been out with the A1 in winter? Any tips like how does the low temps affect it. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

November 25th, 2010, 06:19 AM	#10
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	got mine for sale on ebay if anyone's interested http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/f-ebay/4...ts-extras.html __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

November 21st, 2010, 07:07 AM	#2
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Dave, Love the shot of the boat, use of slo-mo and the composition on the closing shot. What kind of sticks and head you using?

November 21st, 2010, 07:42 AM	#3
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	Manfrotto 128LP . The whole kit is at my maximum for moving around. It's a lot of weight for me. I just don't have the strength and endurance any more. For the last two months I have been dealing with 20-40 knot winds and some camera bounce on every trip out. Many of our winter birds haven't showed up yet. We have more birds in Sitka in the winter than the summer. The Raynox lens does work great for some things. Especially when your after a critter or bird. I'm hoping for a wide angle adapter. I see where I would need such a lens while trying to shoot on or from a boat or other confined space. Dave

November 21st, 2010, 07:43 AM	#4
Wacharapong Chiowanich Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 400	..and what kind of support did you use for the lens? My guess is you probably had to have one as this adapter is long and heavy.

November 21st, 2010, 08:16 AM	#5
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	I haven't found the Raynox 9000EX 1.8 Lens to be that heavy. For my use, as long as I keep a eye on the 20-40 knot wind gusts, I see no need for additional supports for the lens. Also, if you tip the A1 in a "lens up" vertical position, the 9000EX is very easy to add or remove. Like I said, the A1 with the Raynox 9000EX is a excellent combination for birds and wildlife. It will also work for me when shooting fishing boats, surfers, or other subjects from a distance. Dave

November 21st, 2010, 02:45 PM	#7
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	The scene with the volcano and waves was shot in 28 degree F with wind gusts to 50 mph. I'll let someone else figure out the wind chill. All I know, is that it was well below freezing and required cloves for my hands. An individual from Canada was kind enough to send me a Kata Rain Cover. Used it three times. This is a much required item: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/367589-REG/Kata_KT_VA_801_15_CRC_15_RC_15_Compact_Rain.html

November 22nd, 2010, 03:21 AM	#8
Bo Sundvall Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 244	Hi I've checked the video both on Vimeo and I've also downloaded it to be able to see it in better quality. I agree with you that the quality is impressive given it's an "add on" lens used. The XH-A1 camcorder suffers a bit from chromatic abberation (CA) and that can also be seen in high contrast scenes in the film. Without extensive test it's hard to tell if the Raynox lens just increases the CA on the A1 lens or if the lens itself adds more CA. As far as I can judge from the video it seems to be reasonably sharp all over the frame. Are all scenes filmed with the Raynox lens, including the wide shots? I really liked the end shot. Regards, /Bo

November 22nd, 2010, 05:47 AM	#9
David Rice Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sitka Alaska Posts: 470	Yes. However, wide shots are difficult to set up. Why bother? I am not impressed with extreme long distant infinity shots either. I think the sweet spot is for birds/animals between 10 and 200 yards.